We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

We had a lovely relaxing time staying in the African Cottage. Our family of 9 fitted in no problem plus our two little dogs. Matilda is a lovely host and she cooked us a great African meal on the first night which was enjoyed by all. Just one point to make about a build up of dust under the beds. The cleaner really needs to be checked on. Other than that, it is a great place and we would love to go back again one day.

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Liked best:The Africa feel and food

Liked least:Dust under the beds

Travelling group:Extended Family

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Older travelers

Families with young children

People with pets

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

3 Jun 2015

It was a pleasure to have you here! Your kids were well behaved, Tiger didn't like your dogs, but they were so cute! Would love you to come back. Sorry about the dust - promise I'll make sure they clean under there! And thanks for the compliment about our food. We love cooking, so we love it when our guests enjoy it!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Stayed in the Cape Cottage or should I say shed. A fibro outbuilding that was covered in cobwebs. Inside visible surfaces were clean but windows, blinds, under and behind furniture was filthy and thick with dust. Inside cutlery draws and crockery draws were dirty which meant everything in them needed to be washed before use. The kitchenette was suitable for tea and coffee making only. All other cooking was supposed to be done on a small ill kept BBQ on the back verandah. The sofa was ok for midgets but once seated you were below the height of the coffee table. The bed was hard, lumpy and uncomfortable. The bathroom was fine except for K Mart quality towels that were thin and like sandpaper.As for the meals available even my dog would have thought twice about them.A good indication about what was to come was the Welcome Letter that was more like an army instruction form in its tone and ended with a warning "do not put negative reviews on Trip Advisor and other sites just tell us your concerns". That says to me they know many people are unhappy with them but they ignore complaints. We were told the cleaner had not turned up and they did the best they could. I don't think the cleaner had ever turned up.Reviews are to give factual accounts of the accommodation not to pander up to owners who give sub standard products.The larger cottages may have been better but I didn't see in them.Maleney and Montville are worth a visit and there is much better accommodation available there at similar or cheaper prices.

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Liked best:getting out of there

Liked least:everything

Travelling group:Spouse/Partner

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
No.

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

24 Mar 2015

I have just come back from doing the rounds at all the cottages to check if everyone is happy. Tick - everyone happy and having a wonderful time! So I'm just wondering if this guest actually has the right location. I read our reviews, and all are glowing reports of how much they enjoyed themselves. So what went wrong here? I would really like to know. Such a pity our unhappy guests couldn't just come and talk to us. We would have fixed their problems on the spot. Because we pride ourselves on this lovely place we have here. Maybe that is why we have the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence. They don't give those out easily! And talk about Tripadvisor - we ask guests to review us, on the advise of Tripadvisor.! The biggest hurt and insult was our food. After reading glowing after glowing revues about our delicious food, it was the ultimate insult that the guest would not give it to her dog! Or the dog would not like it. The most traditional Malay dish - absolutely delicious! I'm really sorry you did not like it. Sure we have spiderwebs - we are in the country after all! Sure the bed, or the towels, or the couch does not satisfy everyone. We apologise for that. But we really feel that the criticism was not fair. We are a fabulous establishment, loved by all. But there is always that ONE person you just cannot please.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Last weekend, my group of running friends stayed at Matilda’s African Cottages (in the large house which sleeps 9), and we enjoyed the most marvellous hospitality. The cottage was spotless and so well appointed with all the kitchen equipment that you could possibly wish for, but it was the eclectic way in which Matilda had decorated it which was so charming. African beaded candle holders, beaded mats, elephant prints – it’s so delightful, welcoming and such a happy place to be. Our group also enjoyed Matilda’s African feast and we are still talking about how magnificent the

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Liked best:It had everything we needed and nothing was too much trouble.

Liked least:Nothing.

Travelling group:Large Group

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

People with disabilities

Older travelers

Families with young children

Large groups

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

5 Mar 2016

How did I miss this wonderful review? Thanks Margot - it was an absolute pleasure having you here! Looking forward to your return visit. And we've got some new things on the menu to tempt you with!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

African Cottage is like stepping into Africa! All the decor & furnishings are traditional african style, even the plush toys on the beds are african animals. The place is managed by Matilda, who went out of her way to assist us with planning our stay. A traditional africn menu is available for delivery tothe cottage, all home cooked by Matilda herself.Fantastic service & comfortable, well equiped cottage. A must for anyone who want a bit of Africa!

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Travelling group:Young Children

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

Older travelers

Families with young children

Large groups

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

18 Feb 2015

I love what I do! And I suppose it shows. But it is even easier with wonderful guests like you. We are looking forward to welcoming you back here. Because we know you will be back. Thanks for your lovely words! It makes all the hard work worth it.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

“A great place to stay and enjoy some African hospitality and cuisine !”

Reviewed 2 February 2015
for a stay in January 2015

We had a wonderful time at the African Cottage. Matilda goes way out of her way to make you feel welcome and looked after. The facilities are spacious and very well thought through.

The selection of cuisine gives both the novice and experienced taster (and tester) a wonderful example of how South African food is properly made.

Thanks Matilda for having us there !

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Liked best:Ambience

Liked least:It had to end sometime.

Travelling group:Extended Family

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

Older travelers

Families with young children

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Management Response

3 Feb 2015

Well, it is not difficult to be nice to fabulous people! I loved having you there, and spoiling you! Hope to see you back here soon - so I can cook you some more delicious African food. I have a few new vegetarian recipes! Take care

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Rates may change depending on season, length of stay and other considerations. Additional fees may also apply; please contact the owner/manager for total price.

Enter dates into the calendar above for the latest prices and availability

Book Now

Note: Inquiry cannot be sent because you have either de-selected all of your recently viewed properties or no properties meet either minimum stay or availability requirements.

Or, send the owner a message

Have a question for the owner? Click here to send them a message.

Send Message

Interested in booking this rental or have a question? Click here to send the owner a message.

Make Enquiry

Privacy details

The contents of this form will be sent by email to the owner or property manager so (s)he may contact you. This information will only be used to facilitate booking this property. You may also receive email from TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals. You may unsubscribe from this communication at any time by following the unsubscribe links in the email. Please reference our privacy policy for further information.

This property has Payment Protection

Payment Protection

Use a credit card to book with our Payment Protection.Learn more

The rate for this property varies by number of guests, which we are unable to calculate in this form. The owner will provide accurate rate info on enquiry.

Okay

Never pay for your holiday rental by wire transfer.

Learn more about paying safely.

Do you own a holiday rental? List it here.

Extra income

Earn money by renting out your home. With no up-front fees and no contract, you keep more for yourself.

Easy to manage

Confirm bookings in one click and track everything from enquiry to check-out – even while you're on the go.

Trusted by travellers

With millions of reviews and protected online payments, TripAdvisor helps travellers book your home with confidence.